Saturday, April 30, 2005

The level of childhood obesity continues to increase in England with the biggest rise seen among primary school children, according to a report published today by the Department of Health.
New figures showed the prevalence of obesity among children aged two to 10 years old rose from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003. The biggest increase occurred among those aged from eight to 10 years old - from 11.2% in 1995 to 16.5% in 2003.
The proportion of children who were either overweight or obese rose from 22.7% in 1995 to 27.7% in 2003, according to the study by the National Centre for Social Research.
The research found a link between levels of deprivation and poor nutrition. Obesity rates were 5% higher among children living in deprived areas (16.4%) than those living in the least deprived areas (11.2%).
A regional breakdown of obesity levels in 2001-02 revealed the highest rates in the north-east (18.3%) and in London (18.2%). The lowest levels were seen in Yorkshire and the Humber (11.4%) and the south-east of England (13.4%). Obesity was more common in children living in inner-city areas.
The figures also showed that 19.8% of youngsters living in households where both parents were either overweight or obese were also obese, compared to 6.7% in homes where parents did not have a weight problem.
Obesity levels were similar for boys and girls. In boys aged two to 10, levels rose from 9.6% in 1995 to 14.9% in 2003. For girls the rate rose from 10.3% to 12.5%.
Last year the government published its public health white paper outlining measures such as increasing sporting activity in school"